Connecting Vista with XP with Cable

Hi,
I am sure this is already answered but i used the search and couldnt find it.
Is there any way to connect XP laptop with Vista laptop directly using Cat5 network cable.
I dont want to share the internet.
I simply want to share printer and some files.
I use broadband acces to go online with vista.
And wireless home internet with xp.
Thank you.
Mike

 

Configure the machines as follows.

PC #1:
IP address: 192.168.9.1
Subnet Address: 255.255.255.0

PC #2:
IP address: 192.168.9.2
Subnet Address: 255.255.255.0

Leave the Default Gateway and DNS Server addresses blank.

Make sure any firewalls are configured to put the 192.168.9.x subnet in the trusted zone.

Finally, you'll have to enable fine/print sharing on the machines and actually share one or more folders or drives.

Here's a page that describes the process in detail: http://www.howtodothings.com/computers-internet/how-to-connect-2-pcs-directly

 

Hi JohnWill,
I tried to use the link but it didnt work.
when i go to network connections my LAN is not connected in both computers.
it says network cable unplugged.
even though computers are connected.
I did all th IP configrations
i have work group and computers name
but it still is not working

And nope i dont use same router to connect to internet.
my vista computer has broadband internet access from another internet provider for my work.

thanks,
m

 

I would strongly caution against making any changes to network settings. You could easily find yourself locked out of the company network, or worse, completely locked out of the computer.

 

Hi TerryNet,
I am using Blue network cable.
The one i use to connect my laptop with router.
There is no light when i connect computers together.
Do i need a special cable?
Thank you,
M

 

Wrong cable. You need a cross-over cable in order to connect the computers directly.

Courtney